Posts by Gonny Smit

Studying shrimp feeding behavior and why it’s important for aquaculture

Shrimp is a popular dish, and these crustaceans are a very large part of commercial aquaculture. Especially Pacific white-leg shrimp, as they grow fast and are able to adapt to a wide range of environments.

Toxicometabolism and behavior of zebrafish exposed to cannabinol

THC and CBD are well-know compounds of cannabis (Cannabis sativa), use for recreational purposes or health benefits. We have less knowledge of the effects of another active compound: CBN.

Non-invasive home cage testing of epilepsy in mice

Epilepsy is more than seizures; behavioral changes that occur in between seizures are rarely assessed. A new home cage study from the Baylor College of Medicine aims to change this.

Can caffeine prevent Alzheimer's?

What is the most popular drug in the world? It’s not alcohol, cannabis, or cocaine, but something most of us start with each day. Coffee; or, more specifically: caffeine.

How to best assess pain-related behaviors in preclinical studies

Most humans can tell you they’re in pain. However, assessing pain sensitivity in rodents during preclinical studies is a challenge.

Parkinson's disease research - Relevant measures in pre-clinical studies

Parkinson’s disease: the neurodegenerative disorder that affects mobility in a life-changing way. Learn more about relevant measures in pre-clinical studies.

Alzheimer's research - From prevention research to natural treatment

Experts estimate that by 2050, 100 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is a shockingly large number. Learn more about the research that has been done in order to find a cure.

Normalization of blood sugar reduces enhanced rewarding effect of smoking

Why are the rewarding effects of nicotine greater in diabetic rats?

Using gait analysis to analyze Parkinson’s in rat model

Contrary to common methods, gait analysis can detect clinically relevant symptoms early on, researchers say.

Alzheimer research and the Morris water maze task

First developed in 1981 by Richard Morris, the Morris water maze task is still one of the most popular tests for memory and learning in rodents.

A new zebrafish model for ALS-related gene mutations

How zebrafish are helping us to discover the mechanisms behind this neurodegenerative disease.

The effects of parasitic infections on learning and memory in mice

Worm infections can cause cognitive problems. But it’s unclear if it affects learning, memory, or both.